Subaru CV Axle Boot Replacement Cost
Replacement of the flexible rubber protective boots that house the constant velocity (CV) joints on the front or rear drive axles.
Why this fails
The inner front boots sit directly above the catalytic converters (common on EJ25 and FB25 engines); the extreme exhaust heat dries out the rubber until it cracks. Alternatively, high-mileage fatigue causes the rubber to tear during suspension articulation.
What the job involves
- Lifting the vehicle and removing the wheel and axle nut.
- Disconnecting the lower ball joint or strut mount to swing the knuckle out.
- Removing the axle from the transmission (front) or differential (rear).
- Disassembling the CV joint, cleaning out old contaminated grease, and inspecting the bearings for pitting.
- Installing the new rubber boot, high-pressure molybdenum grease, and specialized stainless steel clamps.
- Reinstalling the axle and performing a test drive to ensure no vibrations.
If you delay this repair
The grease will spray out onto the exhaust (causing a burning smell/smoke) and road grit will enter the joint. This will destroy the CV joint bearings, turning a $350 boot job into a $800+ axle replacement.
Save money
- • Only reboot the axle if the joint isn't clicking; if it's clicking, you must replace the entire axle assembly.
- • Avoid 'Split-Boots' that bolt or glue together; they fail almost immediately on Subarus due to the high angle of the axles.
- • On older high-mileage cars, it is often cheaper in labor to replace the entire axle with a high-quality aftermarket unit (like TrakMotive or GSP) than to pay a shop to rebuild a boot.
OEM part numbers
FAQ
How much does subaru cv axle boot replacement cost cost in 2026?
Expect $325–$750 at most US shops, parts plus labor.
How long does the job take?
2–3.5 labor hours typically.
Can I do this myself?
Yes — DIY difficulty 4/5.
What happens if I delay?
The grease will spray out onto the exhaust (causing a burning smell/smoke) and road grit will enter the joint. This will destroy the CV joint bearings, turning a $350 boot job into a $800+ axle replacement.